Thomas A. O'Connell

Newport, RI - LCDR Thomas A. OConnell, USN, RET 84, of Newport, RI, formerly of East Greenwich, RI, died Monday, June 2, 2008 at the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Bristol, RI. He was the husband of Margaret Estelle Hopf OConnell for 46 years and the late Emma Hobbs OConnell. Born in Brooklyn, NY on November 16, 1923, he was the son of the late Thomas Anthony and Elizabeth Czapcowski OConnell.Mr. OConnell was a naval aviator, having served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. His last tour of duty was as a test pilot at the Overhaul and Repair Facility at the Naval Air Station at Quonset Point, RI. He served on board the aircraft carriers Boxer, Midway and Coral Sea. After retiring from the Navy, Mr. OConnell was employed by Leesona Corp in Warwick for 18 years. He was a civilian flight instructor at T. F. Green and North Central Airports. Besides his wife of 46 years, he is survived by two sons Thomas A. OConnell, III of North Kingstown, RI and John M. OConnell of Newport, RI, three daughters Robynne Thompson of Pace, FL, Debra Hockensmith of Robertsdale, AL, Margaret Wainscott of Cedar Knolls, NJ and his twin sister Sr. Angelica OConnell, O.P. of Amityville, Long Island, his brother Joseph OConnell of Oceanside, Long Island, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His funeral will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2008, at 8:00 am from the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:00 am in St. Lucys Church, 909 West Main Road, Middletown. Burial will be in St. Columbas Cemetery in Middletown.Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2008, from 4-6 in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RI Veterans Home, Alzheimers Unit, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809